1. Introduction to the Evolution of Ballroom Dance in the UK
Introduction to the Evolution of Ballroom Dance in the UK
Ballroom dancing has been popular in Britain since the 19th century and has seen a number of changes over the years. From the waltz to the foxtrot, the tango to the cha-cha, ballroom dancing has evolved and adapted to the music of its time. As time has passed, new styles of ballroom dancing have been created and existing styles have been adapted and changed.
In this article, we will be looking at the top 10 evolutionary changes in ballroom dance in the UK. We will be exploring how the different dances have evolved over time and how they have been adapted to the changing music of the day. We will also be looking at the different styles of ballroom dancing that have been developed in Britain and how they have become popular in the UK.
The Waltz
The waltz is one of the oldest and most popular forms of ballroom dancing in the UK. It originated in Austria in the late 18th century and was popularised in the UK in the early 19th century. The waltz is a smooth, flowing dance in 3/4 time and has a simple, elegant style. Over the years, the waltz has been adapted to different styles of music, from classical to jazz and rock.
The Foxtrot
The foxtrot is an American dance that became popular in the UK in the early 20th century. It is a fast-paced dance in 4/4 time and is characterised by its quick, syncopated steps. The foxtrot has been adapted to a variety of different styles of music, from swing to pop and rock.
The Tango
The tango is a passionate and sensual dance that originated in Argentina in the late 19th century. It is a slower dance in 2/4 time and is characterised by its intricate footwork and dramatic movements. The tango has been adapted to a variety of different styles of music, from classical to jazz and rock.
The Cha-Cha
The cha-cha is a lively and energetic dance that originated in Cuba in the mid-20th century. It is a fast-paced dance in 4/4 time and is characterised by its quick, syncopated steps. The cha-cha has been adapted to a variety of different styles of music, from Latin to pop and rock.
Conclusion
Ballroom dancing has been popular in Britain for centuries and has seen a number of changes over the years. From the waltz to the foxtrot, the tango to the cha-cha, ballroom dancing has evolved and adapted to the music of its time. As time has passed, new styles of ballroom dancing have been created and existing styles have been adapted and changed. In this article, we have looked at the top 10 evolutionary changes in ballroom dance in the UK and explored how the different dances have evolved over time.
2. Rise of Social Ballroom Dancing in the 19th Century
2. Rise of Social Ballroom Dancing in the 19th Century
The 19th century saw a dramatic rise in the popularity of ballroom dancing in the UK. This was due to a number of factors, including the increasing availability of public spaces for dancing, the emergence of the middle class, and the increasing popularity of the waltz.
Public Spaces for Dancing
The availability of public spaces for dancing was key to the rise of ballroom dancing in the 19th century. Previously, ballroom dancing had been restricted to private spaces such as the homes of the wealthy. With the rise of public dance halls, ballroom dancing became accessible to the wider public. This allowed for the development of a new social scene, which was centered around ballroom dancing.
Emergence of the Middle Class
The emergence of the middle class in the 19th century was another factor in the rise of ballroom dancing. The middle class had the means to attend public dance halls, and their presence helped to further popularise ballroom dancing.
The Waltz
The increasing popularity of the waltz was also a major factor in the rise of ballroom dancing in the 19th century. The waltz was seen as a more elegant and sophisticated dance than its predecessors, and it quickly became a popular choice for ballroom dancers.
3. The Introduction of ‘New Vogue’ Ballroom Dance in the 1930s
The Introduction of ‘New Vogue’ Ballroom Dance in the 1930s
The 1930s saw the emergence of a new style of ballroom dancing known as ‘New Vogue’. This style was developed in England and was based on the American ‘Lambeth Walk’ dance from the popular musical ‘Me and My Girl’. The New Vogue style was a simpler and more relaxed version of the traditional ballroom dances, and it was quickly embraced by the British public.
The New Vogue style of ballroom dance was characterised by simpler steps and a slower tempo than the traditional dances. It was also more relaxed and less formal than the traditional styles, making it more accessible to a wider audience. The New Vogue style was popularised by the BBC’s ‘Come Dancing’ show, which was broadcast from 1937 to 1998.
The Popularity of the New Vogue
The New Vogue style of ballroom dance quickly became popular in Britain. It was seen as an accessible and fun alternative to the more formal traditional styles of ballroom dance. It was also seen as a way to bring ballroom dancing to a wider audience, as it was less intimidating than the traditional styles.
The popularity of the New Vogue style led to the emergence of a number of new dance schools and clubs, and it was soon being taught in schools and colleges across the country. The New Vogue style of ballroom dance remains popular in the UK today, and it is still taught in many dance schools and clubs.
4. The Influence of Latin and American Ballroom Styles in the 1950s
The Influence of Latin and American Ballroom Styles in the 1950s
The 1950s saw the emergence of Latin and American ballroom styles in the UK. The popularity of the new styles was largely driven by the increasing popularity of television and the influence of American culture in Britain.
Latin Dance
Latin dance styles such as the Cha Cha, Rumba, Samba, and Jive became increasingly popular in the UK during the 1950s. These dances were seen as more exotic and exciting than traditional British ballroom styles, and they allowed couples to express themselves more freely. The popularity of Latin dance was further enhanced by the emergence of rock and roll music, which provided an energetic accompaniment to the new styles.
American Ballroom
The 1950s also saw the introduction of American ballroom styles such as the Foxtrot, Swing, and Lindy Hop. These styles were seen as more modern and exciting than traditional British ballroom, and they quickly gained popularity with dancers. The emergence of American ballroom also brought a new level of sophistication to British ballroom, with more intricate steps and figures being introduced.
Conclusion
The 1950s saw a dramatic shift in the landscape of British ballroom dancing, with the emergence of Latin and American styles. These new styles brought a level of energy and sophistication to British ballroom, which had been lacking in previous decades. The popularity of the new styles continues to this day, and they remain an important part of the British ballroom dance scene.
5. The Emergence of Competitive Ballroom Dancing in the 1960s
The Emergence of Competitive Ballroom Dancing in the 1960s
The 1960s saw the emergence of competitive ballroom dancing in Britain. It was a time of great change and development in the world of ballroom dancing, as people began to take it more seriously.
In the early 1960s, a number of amateur organisations sprang up to promote competitive ballroom dancing. The most influential of these was the National Ballroom Dancing Council (NBDC), which was established in 1962. The NBDC organised the first major ballroom dancing competitions in Britain, and set the standards for judging and adjudicating the competitions.
The NBDC also created the first official syllabus of ballroom dances, which allowed dancers to compete in a range of different dances. This syllabus included the Waltz, Tango, Quickstep, Foxtrot, Viennese Waltz, and Samba.
The 1960s also saw the emergence of professional ballroom dancing in Britain. Professional ballroom dancers began to compete in competitions, and some even began to teach and judge the competitions. This led to the formation of the British Dance Council (BDC) in 1968, which is still the governing body of professional ballroom dancing in Britain today.
The Impact of Television
The 1960s also saw the emergence of ballroom dancing on television, which had a huge impact on the popularity of the sport. The BBC began to broadcast ballroom dancing competitions, and it became a popular form of entertainment. This helped to bring ballroom dancing into the mainstream, and made it more accessible to the general public.
The television coverage also helped to create a new generation of ballroom dancers, as viewers were inspired to take up the sport. Today, ballroom dancing is one of the most popular forms of dance in Britain, and the 1960s are seen as a pivotal moment in its evolution.
6. The Popularity of ‘Strict Tempo’ Ballroom Dancing in the 1970s
The Popularity of ‘Strict Tempo’ Ballroom Dancing in the 1970s
The 1970s saw a resurgence in the popularity of ‘Strict Tempo’ ballroom dancing, which had been popular in the early part of the 20th century. This style of ballroom dancing was characterised by a slower tempo, with couples dancing in close embrace and often using a ‘closed’ position.
The revival of the Strict Tempo style was due to a number of factors. Firstly, the rise of ‘disco’ music in the 1970s gave dancers a new range of slow-tempo songs to dance to. Secondly, the ‘Strict Tempo’ style was seen as a more traditional and ‘classic’ form of ballroom dancing, and this appealed to a new generation of dancers who wanted to learn something different from the more modern styles.
The Influence of Professional Dancers
The Strict Tempo style was also popularised by the influence of professional dancers. Many professional ballroom dancers of the time, such as Peter Eggleton and Maureen Robinson, were advocates of the ‘Strict Tempo’ style and taught it to their students. This helped to spread the style to a wider audience, and it soon became a popular choice for social dancing.
The Legacy of Strict Tempo
Although the Strict Tempo style of ballroom dancing is no longer as popular as it once was, it still has an influence on modern ballroom dancing. Many of the steps and figures used in modern ballroom dancing have their roots in the Strict Tempo style, and it is still taught in some dance schools. As such, it is an important part of the history of ballroom dancing in the UK.
7. The Introduction of ‘Modern Ballroom’ in the 1980s
The Introduction of ‘Modern Ballroom’ in the 1980s
The 1980s saw the emergence of a new style of ballroom dance in the UK – ‘Modern Ballroom’. This style was a combination of the traditional ‘Old Time’ dances of the 19th century with the new Latin-American dances that had gained popularity since the 1950s.
The new style was developed by a group of dancers and teachers in London, who wanted to create a more accessible and enjoyable style of ballroom dancing. This style was designed to be more relaxed and easier to learn than the traditional forms of ballroom dancing.
The new style was quickly embraced by the public, and within a few years it had become the most popular form of ballroom dancing in the UK. The new style of dancing was also adopted by many professional ballroom dancing competitions.
The Impact of Modern Ballroom
The introduction of Modern Ballroom had a huge impact on the ballroom dancing scene in the UK. It made ballroom dancing more accessible to a wider audience, and allowed more people to take part in the activity.
The new style also had an impact on the costumes and music used in ballroom dancing. The traditional costumes were replaced with more modern, colourful designs, and the music was updated to include a range of contemporary styles, such as jazz, pop and rock.
Modern Ballroom also had an influence on the way ballroom dancing was taught. The traditional methods of teaching were replaced with a more relaxed and enjoyable approach. This new approach helped to make ballroom dancing more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
The introduction of Modern Ballroom has had a lasting impact on the ballroom dancing scene in the UK. It has helped to make ballroom dancing more popular, and has allowed more people to take part in the activity.
8. The Emergence of ‘Smooth’ Ballroom Dance in the 1990s
8. The Emergence of ‘Smooth’ Ballroom Dance in the 1990s
The 1990s saw a new style of ballroom dance emerge in the UK, known as ‘Smooth’. This style was characterised by a slower tempo and more contemporary music than the traditional ballroom styles, and was often danced as a couple rather than solo.
The emergence of Smooth was a result of the increasing popularity of Latin American dances such as the Cha Cha and the Rumba, which had become popular amongst the younger generation. As a result, the traditional ballroom dances were adapted to fit the new style of music and tempo, creating a new type of ballroom dance.
The most popular Smooth dances in the UK include the Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango and Quickstep. These dances are still popular today, and are often seen at competitions and social events.
The Impact of Smooth
The emergence of Smooth ballroom dance had a huge impact on the UK ballroom scene. It brought a new level of sophistication and elegance to the ballroom dance world, and made it more accessible to a wider range of people.
It also helped to bring a new level of creativity to the dance floor, as dancers began to experiment with new steps and combinations. This led to the development of new and exciting dance patterns, which are still popular today.
Finally, the emergence of Smooth ballroom dance in the UK helped to create a more unified ballroom dancing scene, as dancers from different styles were able to come together and enjoy the same type of dance. This has helped to create a strong sense of community and camaraderie amongst ballroom dancers, which is still evident today.
9. The Growth of ‘Street Latin’ Ballroom Dancing in the 2000s
The Growth of ‘Street Latin’ Ballroom Dancing in the 2000s
The early 2000s saw a dramatic rise in the popularity of ‘street Latin’ ballroom dancing, which is a combination of Latin American and Caribbean dance styles. This new form of ballroom dance was popularised by the emergence of new music genres such as reggaeton and salsa, as well as television programmes such as Strictly Come Dancing.
Latin-Style Dances
The Latin-style dances that make up street Latin ballroom dancing include the cha-cha, samba, rumba, paso doble and jive. These dances are characterised by the use of sharp, energetic movements, as well as the use of the hips and shoulders.
The Influence of Pop Culture
The influence of pop culture has been a major factor in the growth of street Latin ballroom dancing. Music videos featuring Latin-style dances have become increasingly popular, and celebrities such as Shakira and Jennifer Lopez have helped to popularise the genre.
The Impact on Ballroom Dance in the UK
The emergence of street Latin ballroom dancing has had a huge impact on ballroom dancing in the UK. Many traditional ballroom dance classes have incorporated Latin-style dances into their syllabus, and there are now a number of dedicated street Latin dance classes available. The popularity of street Latin ballroom dancing has also led to the emergence of a number of competitions and events that focus solely on this style of dance.
10. Conclusion: The Future of Ballroom Dance in the UK
Conclusion: The Future of Ballroom Dance in the UK
The UK ballroom dance scene has undergone a dramatic transformation in recent years. The rise of digital technologies, the growth of social media, and the introduction of new genres have all had an impact on the way that ballroom dance is practiced and enjoyed in the UK.
The future of ballroom dance in the UK looks bright. With the increasing popularity of the genre, more and more people are taking up the activity, and the number of venues offering lessons and competitions is growing. The internet has also made it easier for dancers to connect with each other and share their experiences.
New Genres
The introduction of new genres such as Latin, hip hop, and contemporary has opened up the world of ballroom dance to a wider audience. These new styles are becoming increasingly popular, and they offer a fresh perspective on the traditional ballroom dance.
Technology
The use of technology is also changing the way that ballroom dance is practiced. Video tutorials, online courses, and virtual classes are all making it easier for people to learn the basics and hone their skills.
Competitions
Competitions are also becoming more popular, with an increasing number of events taking place across the UK. These events are a great way for dancers to showcase their talents and meet other enthusiasts.
Social Media
Social media has also had an impact on the ballroom dance scene. Platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram have enabled dancers to connect with each other and share their experiences.
Conclusion
The future of ballroom dance in the UK looks bright. With the increasing popularity of the genre, more and more people are taking up the activity, and the number of venues offering lessons and competitions is growing. The internet has also made it easier for dancers to connect with each other and share their experiences. With the right attitude and dedication, the future of ballroom dance in the UK looks set to be a bright and vibrant one.
